Pursuing Treasures In Life

Many people pursue dreams, money, fame, treasure and grand aspirations, only to gain that dream and realize that still does not make you happy. So then why do we keep pursuing the things that do not make us happy?

My Treasure

When I was in high school, I went to Washington, DC on a leadership trip with my church. I spent the week traveling and learning how to be a leader. It was an incredible trip.

At the end of the trip, we had to check out of the hotel before our morning sessions of learning. After the sessions started, I began to panic. I had left something very valuable to me in my room.

So I quickly approached my chaperone and we then went to the front desk to get a key to the room. Once in the room, I found what I was desperately looking for and got back to the last session.

My treasure being in my backpack, I was able to be comfortable once again.

On the ride home, I kept this treasure close and even occasionally handled it. I liked keeping it like that even though I wanted more, I was saving it.

I saved it all the way home, not realizing that the bus had gotten hot while we had our meals.

My treasure, was one that most teen boys love and that is sour gummy worms, and mine had all melted into one solid mess. You could not eat them.

I had gone out of my way to get this treasure and never even used it. I could have left it there and it would have been the same for me. It was pretty embarrassing having to get help to grab the gummies from my room and now I felt awful that after all my sacrifice I never even ate them.

I wonder how often we do this in life?

Searching For Empty Treasure

Have you ever chased something you thought would make your life happy? Yet, it was like grasping at a worthless treasure?

I think of King Solomon who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. He had all the money, women, fame, and things that you could ever desire in life.

Ecclesiastes 2:9-11
So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also, my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

He had all he ever wanted in life and realized that all he really had was air.

The Grass Is Not Always Greener

One thing that I have been learning over the last few years is that the grass is not always greener.

Yes, it sure does look like life would be better or easier if I had that job, money, house. But would it really make you happy?

Just look at most of the people in Hollywood and sports. Many of them are super rich and they have everything money can buy. But it does not make them happy.

How can I tell? Hardly a week goes by where you are not hearing of someone getting a divorce, becoming an alcoholic, getting arrested for drugs or losing everything. They have it all but nothing.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

When you are busy chasing your dreams and aspirations remember that the only thing that can satisfy is Christ.

Life will always have its ups and downs but joy comes through Christ.

What has been a time in your life when after chasing for a treasure you realized how empty it was?

It is amazing how when you finally achieve or get what you wanted that you realize that things does not give you the joy that you wanted. When Christ alone provides the lasting joy. Thank you for commenting Mia!